Missouri Comets News Release -- www.missouricomets.com
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. -- The 2011-2012 Comets lineup is rapidly taking form. The Comets announced today the return of the reigning Rookie of the Year, Lucas Rodriguez and Brazilian Midfielder, Geison. Both players agreed to terms with the club, Rodriguez for two years, Geison for one. Coach Kim Roentved is excited about bringing these two back for another season.
“There are a few things you need to be successful in the MISL, speed in the midfield is one of them," Roentved said. "Geison and Lucas can give us that speed and set us apart from other teams.”
Lucas Rodriguez - Lucas came to the Kansas City area from Argentina when he was only 11. A standout player for Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, he quickly found success at Johnson County Community College and Mid America Nazarene University. In his senior year of college he was named the Most Valuable Player for the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
The accolades did not end for him there. Last year for the Comets he recorded six goals and seven assists (19 points) in 17 games and ranked sixth on the Comets in scoring. The 25-year-old midfielder earned a reputation for his flashy play beginning with a five-point outing in a Comets’ win over the Chicago Riot and ending with Rodriguez being voted the MISL’s Rookie of the Year.
Rodriguez is excited about the idea of spending his winters at the Independence Events Center.
“I am ecstatic about the idea of coming home to play for the Comets," Rodriguez said. "The fans love the team and I can’t wait to reward them, hopefully with a championship.”
Geison - The one-name Brazilian midfielder played in 16 games and tallied 33 points last season. Despite missing four games with a knee injury, he finished the season ranked fourth on the team in both assists and total goals.
Geison is an exciting player known for his speed and creativity with the ball. Whether it’s defending an open net or racing down the sideline, Geison is always in the middle of the action.