Sidekicks Hand Out 2020-21 Season Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE        
Paul Donaghy
469-393-0162
paul@dallassidekicks.org

(ALLEN, TEXAS: May 5, 2021) – Dallas Sidekicks today announced their 2020/21 season awards. This year the team decided to hand out five player awards; Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, High Energy Player of the Year and the Sidekicks Leadership Award.

Offensive Player of the Year: Felipe De Sousa

Felipe De Sousa had an incredible sophomore year being named 2nd Team All-MASL after a breakout second season in which he was second in the league with 17 goals. The Brazilian scored in bunches this season including four hat-tricks and two games with two goals apiece. He scored the game winning goal in overtime against the Tacoma Stars on February 6th at the Allen Event Center before ripping off his shirt and celebrating with his teammates in front of a jubilant home crowd. He ranked in the MASL top ten in both total points (18) and points-per-game (2.0) this past season with his aggressive play also tying him for the league lead in penalty minutes.

"Felipe (De Sousa) had an outstanding 2021 season," said Dallas Sidekicks General Manager Jesse Llamas. "He had a strong training camp and preseason Central Cup tournament with a couple of goals including a bicycle kick and then started the season with a hat-trick in the opening game. Felipe continued at that same pace throughout the season and we are thrilled that he is getting all the accolades he deserves."

Defensive Player of the Year: Mike Jones

Mike Jones returned to the Sidekicks this season and quickly proved to be the best defender in green on the field. This was Jones fifth season with the club after spending four years with the club before taking a hiatus last season from the Sidekicks. In the 2020/21 season Jones added a physical presence to the Sidekicks defense. His passion and work ethic were missed last season and the team benefited from the talented two-way defenders return.

"The return of Mike Jones is a huge boost to our defense for the 2020/21 season," said Dallas Sidekicks General Manager Jesse Llamas. "Mike knows the players and coaching staff, and will have an immediate positive impact on our play on the field in addition to being a fan favorite with our Sidekicks fans who are going to be thrilled that he is back."

Rookie of the Year: David Ortiz

Defender David Ortiz appeared in 11 games this season including both playoff games. His defensive presence boosted the Sidekicks back line and he accounted for five blocked shots. His game experience as a mainstay rookie should accelerate his development in the indoor game.

High Energy Player of the Year: Oscar Romero

In his first year with the Sidekicks Oscar Romero scored five goals to go along with two assists. Oscar flies around the midfield with a relentless attitude providing an adrenaline boost for his teammates. Romero previous played with North Texas SC before signing with the Sidekicks and helped lead the FC Dallas USL club to the League One Title in their first year participating. Romero has also played in Mexico for UNAM Premier along with Inter Playa del Carmen who both play in the Liga Premier - Serie A. The talented midfielder scored five goals in 22 appearances with North Texas SC

Leadership Award: Juan Gamboa

Spend any time around the Sidekicks and it become evident pretty quickly how respected veteran goalie Juan Gamboa is within the team. A calming presence in the back who also bring his own kind of intensity, Gaboa displays incredibly instincts in goal and is one of the best passers on the team. As the guy who has been there before, Gamboa is also a clear leader in both the locker room and out in the goal box. His experience has him ready for any situation and he is quick to guide his teammates as to where they need to be and what to do on the field.

ABOUT THE DALLAS SIDEKICKS
The Dallas Sidekicks is an American professional indoor soccer team of the Major Arena Soccer League. The organization was established in 1983, is headquartered in Allen, Texas, and plays all home games at the Allen Event Center. Follow the Sidekicks at www.dallassidekicks.com and on their social media.
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ABOUT THE MAJOR ARENA SOCCER LEAGUE
The Major Arena Soccer League represents the highest level of professional arena soccer in the world. The MASL features teams across North America, with teams playing coast-to-coast in the United States and Mexico. The MASL is currently incorporated as a 501(c)6 not for profit corporation formed to promote the business and sport of arena soccer.