Sidekicks Rookies Making a Major Impact in MASL
April 15, 2020 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Dallas Sidekicks News Release
Dallas Sidekicks rookie, Luiz Felipe Xavier De Andrade, was named to the MASL All-Rookie team for the 2019/2020 season while fellow rookie Felipe de Sousa also received recognition from the league. The two, along with other young Sidekicks players, give the team a bright long-term future.
Lipe was the only midfielder named to the All-Rookie squad after an outstanding first season playing indoor soccer. He was second on the Sidekicks in total points (24) with 16 goals and had a team leading 8 assists in 19 games. Don't let his boyish smile on the field fool you, with a lightning quick step-over to go with an arsenal of moves, Lipe terrorized opponents every time the ball was at his feet.
Lipe was born in São Paulo, Brazil and has played fut7, futsal, and traditional outdoor soccer. He has played for many professional clubs in Brazil including Monte Cristo (GO) 2011, S.E Matonense (SP) 2012, Misto E.C três Lagoas (MS) 2014, Futebol 7 (Society), São Bernardo fut7, São Paulo fut7, Socorcaba fut7, Nacional fut7, Ponte Preta fut7, and Artilheiro Do Paulista fut7 2014. He also played for Brazil in the World Minifootball Championships in 2014.
Andrade has a lethal shot with either foot and was discovered by the Sidekicks coaching staff during a recruiting trip to Brazil last summer. It took a few games for Lipe to begin understanding the indoor game, which he had never played, but his skill level was never in doubt and his futsal background helped him quickly adapt to the American version of the indoor game as the season progressed.
"First of all I thank God, without him none of this would be happening in my life. I also thank Coaches Simon and Jesse for believing in me. My family is also always cheering for me, and my Dallas Sidekick's teammates, without them this wouldn't have happened. I would also like to thank our fans, I feel fulfilled in my first season, it's all happening just God, I'm very happy. It's a child's dream coming true, let's work hard for the next season, we classify ourselves for the playoffs if God wants ... Thank you all from the heart."
Dallas Sidekicks rookie forward Felipe de Sousa was also recognized by making the MASL All-Rookie Honorable Mention list. Felipe scored 8 goals and notched 2 assists in his inaugural campaign in the MASL. He tied for a team high 22 games and like Lipe improved with each game as the season progressed. He stood out not only for his unique hair color but also for his play on the field. The young Sidekicks are posed for significant growth for the 2020/2021 season with talented players like Andrade and de Sousa only getting better with more experience.
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from April 15, 2020
- MASL Announces Coach of the Year and GK Nominees - MASL
- Chris Toth Named Nominee for MASL Goalkeeper of the Year - Ontario Fury
- Sidekicks Rookies Making a Major Impact in MASL - Dallas Sidekicks
- Clay Roberts Named Major Arena Soccer League Coach-Of-The-Year - Florida Tropics SC
- Washington County FC Joins ROC Ventures SC Wave Family - Milwaukee Wave
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.
