Extract from the article published on On Milwaukee.com


Wave signings

Emboldened by the solid play of Brazilian rookie Marcio Leite last season, the Wave signed three Brazilian players on Wednesday.

Andre Gustavo Sandri Silva, known as "Deco," is a 5-foot-9, 155-pound midfielder who played for the same Malwee futsal club from which Leite was discovered. Deco is just 19 years old and played a center position with Malwee. Last year he had 38 goals and 49 assists in 53 games playing for both Malwee's adult team and junior squad.

Aurinei Parisotto, "Chico," is a 5-foot-8, 165-pound defender and midfielder. He is 30 years old and has played for a series of indoor and futsal teams throughout his career.

Jonathan Santos, "Jonatas," led Sport Club Paulo Afonso, a futsal team, to the Bahia State Championship in 2005 with 16 goals. He then signed with Real Moitense for the Superliga national championship tournament. Coach Wilson Mendonca said Jonatas "is one of the most talented players in the region and he will help his teammates to shine." He is 22 years old.

"I'm very excited about bringing these three talented players from Brazil," said Wave coach Keith Tozer, whose team opens camp Sept. 24. "Obviously, they have a huge learning curve, coming from either outdoor soccer, futsal or both. But we feel they possess the technical ability everyone comes to expect from Brazilian players. They have speed and tactical ability. If they take off anything like Marcio Leite, they'll be very important players for the Milwaukee Wave for years to come."



Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com