2021 Pro Futsal Preview - Players To Watch

By Diego Zuñiga
Queenstown, MD (March 2, 2021)

In the spring of 2020, the PRO-SA Pro Futsal season was cancelled due to a global pandemic. Restrictions were put in place, players took precautions and were quarantined, and operations were reduced to a stand-still. With an uncertain future, many players continued to make sacrifices to ensure they were ready if an opportunity presented itself.

Almost a year later, Pro Futsal has returned. PRO-SA will be kicking off another Pro Futsal season beginning this Saturday March 6th in Queenstown, MD, at the Queenstown Sports Center. 

There will be many familiar faces at this weekend's opener including last year's leading goal scorer and fan-favorite Gavin Boyer. Boyer is one of the most dynamic and creative futsal players in the country and is exciting to watch. Also returning is last year's league-leader in assists and blocked shots, Josh Danza. Expect to see Boyer and Danza as an ala/pivo combination that results in many goal-scoring opportunities. Veteran goalkeeper Brian Greuter led the league last year in Save Percentage and Goals-Allowed Average and will be a top goalkeeper to watch this weekend.

The two league-leaders from a year ago in shots taken, Vaughn Ridings and Ajay Jagadesan will be back along with sharpshooter Austin Murphy. Axel Bax brings simplicity and fundamental play at the fixo position while Gian Peixoto's quick movements on and off the ball will open up space for himself and for others around him.

At the goalkeeper position, Brent McFarland is an athletic shot stopper that quickly garnered the respect from players around the league last season. Matt Vega returns after a standout season in goal last year with the Washington Fire. After spending much of 2019 and 2020 recovering from injuries, Eduardo Araujo is back in the net as well.

Tommy Humphries, Adam Wise, and Chris Roberts bring leadership and experience to a younger group of players this year, while last year's youngest player Nick Verdi will be back after recording an event-high 11 blocks last March.

Frank Knowles signing with PRO-SA.

Newcomer Tito Vazquez joins PRO-SA.

Among the new signings, there are a few players in particular to keep an eye on. Delaware natives Tito Vazquez and Kiki Torres will be joining PRO-SA. Vazquez will be an instant threat with his ability to create space for himself and get shots off. Eastern Shore locals Frank Knowles and Carson Colombo impressed throughout the winter with their ability to advance the ball on the dribble and have signed on to play this spring. Chris Pagán brings leadership experience as a solid defender and organizer out of the back. Andrew Reinel and Caleb Christian will also be making their debuts after standing out in training throughout the fall and winter.

Younger players Lanre Abayomi and Alex Poole will be quick to make an impression on the court while brothers Muhammed and Musteba Mukaddem will connect well to create attacking opportunities. Composed left-footed talents Rudy Munoz and Michael Vasquez have the vision to create while also taking care of the ball.

Returners: Gavin Boyer, Josh Danza, Brian Greuter, Vaughn Ridings, Alex Shipley, Ajay Jagadesan, Pat Fleming, Axel Bax, Gian Peixoto, Brent McFarland, Eduardo Araujo, Austin Murphy, Tommy Humphries, Adam Wise, Chris Roberts, Matt Vega, and Nick Verdi.

Newcomers: Frank Knowles, Tito Vazquez, Alexis "Kiki" Torres, Chris Pagán, Caleb Christian, Andrew Reinel, Michael Vasquez, Rudy Munoz, Carson Colombo, Lanre Abayomi, Alex Poole, Muhammed Mukaddem, and Musteba Mukaddem.

Out (3/6): Adam Ramos, Alex Oquendo, Alonzo Colon, Tony Araviakis, Brian Lowe, Caleb Kaiss, Conrad Nkimbi, David Bernal-Clark, Devon Douglas, Ethan Miller, Gustavo Vera, Ioannis Kiotsekoglou, Jaime Quansah, Junior Escobar, Justin Barnes, Justin Kinney, Mike Kozlowski, Nick Lloyd, Quentin Valiente, Roberto Cardoso, Roberto Yepez, Robin Jamieson, Rodney Smith, Scott Skrivan, Taylor Stanton, Yassine Iguidre, Ken Truong, Aliu Wahab, Brandon Wingfield, Chloe Obara, Claudius Taylor, Cole Parker, Henry Bethell, Jack Frisbie, Lawal Alhassan, Mike Suhre, Skyler Williams, Thomas Kato, and Vincent Verdi.

Tickets are now on sale. 

If you cannot make the Season Opener this weekend, it is still possible to support the players. Individual player sponsorships as well as team sponsorships are available here.

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