Futbol Club Santa Clarita Storm CEO and Director of Operations Gerald Brunner announced the signing of Thiago Souza Rodrigues and Matt Shaxton to one-year contracts.
Brazilian midfielder Thiago Souza Rodrigues was picked up from the Storm tryouts earlier this month. “Thiago is a midfielder with the skill and ability to compete at our level,” Brunner stated. “You notice as soon as he starts touching the ball that he has the skills to become an asset to our team.”
Thiago came to the United States specifically for the Storm tryouts, where he impressed head coach Jose Mesa. Thiago comes with a history of playing in Brazil including Londring Esporte Clube, Londria Futsal, Osasco F.C. Uniao Mogi Futbol Clube, Cambe Fusal, Grenio Miringa, and Club Atletico Cambe. Thiago has returned to Brazil and will report to the Storm training camp in February.
Shaxton who signed with the Storm last season after attending the team’s first tryout in Santa Clarita. His size, ability, experience, and leadership caught the eye of the staff.
“He had a very positive attitude about him and as soon as he touched the ball we noticed his experience,” said Brunner.
Shaxton was born in Taunton, Somerset in the United Kingdom and came to the U.S. to play for the University of Bakersfield. Shaxton was a gold medal winner at the British University Games and played as a youth for such teams as Bridgewater Town, Gloucester City, and Cirencester Town.
“Matt was a stable force for us in our midfield,” said Brunner. “Matt displays at all times not only his ability at his position, but also demonstrates professionalism at all times in his character on and off the field. Matt also demonstrates excellent people skills in dealing with his teammates. He will continue to be a solid part of the foundation of this team.”
The Storm’s season will begin April 6, 2013 with home gamesbeing played at Canyon High School. A complete schedule will be available online at www.fcscprosoccer.com in February. Training camp for the players released for camp begins February 5th at Central Park in Santa Clarita.
