The St. Louis Ambush have named indoor soccer veteran Hewerton (pronounced Everton) Moreira as their new Head Coach, Ambush CEO and majority owner Shelly Clark announced today.
Hewerton coached the Cedar Rapids Rampage United outdoor team two seasons and the indoor Rampage last season. The Rampage United went to the Premier League of America championship semifinals both seasons, while the arena Rampage improved from five wins to 12 under Hewerton’s guidance. As a player, Hewerton is a veteran of 13 professional indoor soccer seasons. He has played for the San Diego Sockers, Milwaukee Wave, Detroit Ignition, Philadelphia KiXX, Chicago Mustangs and the Rampage. He won three championships during his seven seasons with the Wave, where he played for Keith Tozer, the winningest indoor soccer coach of all time.
“We are excited to have Hewerton join the Ambush family,” stated Clark, “his indoor experience will be key in helping our young players develop into a competitive team. Our entire last season was a challenge, both on and off the field and this is not going to be an easy season, but we believe that Hewerton’s expertise will continue to help the team pivot into a winning season.”
Hewerton is ready to go to go to work. He said, “I would like to thank the Ambush organization and ownership for their trust in me. I’m very honored to be part of such a professional group and looking forward to helping the Ambush have a very successful season.”
The Ambush also announced that two players have received extended contracts. Midfielder Lucas Almeida and forward Victor France are inked through the 2019-2020 season. The 2017-18 season will be Almeida’s fourth in professional indoor soccer and his third with the Ambush. The Sao Paulo, Brazil native posted eight goals and nine assists in 16 games played last season. France is a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He will be entering his third season with the Ambush this fall. Despite battling an injury in the early part of last season, he bounced back to tally 13 goals and five assists in 14 appearances.
Fans will have a chance to get a preview of the 2017-18 Ambush when the club holds their annual free Fan Fest on October 21 at the Family Arena. Activities that day get under way at 4:30 p.m. with an exhibition game at 7:05 against Hewerton’s former team, the Cedar Rapids Rampage.
The Ambush will kick off the home portion of their 2017-18 Major Arena Soccer League season on Friday, November 11, 2017 at 7:35 p.m. at the Family Arena. The season will consist of 22 games, with 11 of those being played at the Family Arena.
