AMBUSH SIGN AXEL DUARTE TO ONE-YEAR EXTENSION

St. Charles, Missouri (May 5, 2020) – The St. Louis Ambush have signed veteran defender Axel Duarte through the 2020-21 season, the team announced today. Per league and team policies, no further details of the agreement were disclosed.

Duarte is a native of Caracas, Venezuela, where he played youth soccer for Caracas FC. He spent his collegiate career at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, where he started in 53 of the 64 games he appeared in. Among his accomplishments as a member of the Lions were being elected team captain (2012-13), All MIAA Conference second team (2012), All MIAA Honorable Mention (2013) and NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer All Central Regional second team (2013).

Duarte played professionally for FC Bordo (NPSL) early in 2014. He has four seasons of professional arena soccer experience, having played for the Ambush during the 2014-15 season, then returning for the past three seasons. Duarte finished sixth the Major Arena Soccer League in blocked shots last season with 32. 

Ambush Head Coach Hewerton welcome Duarte back saying, “Axel is extremely important to the team due to his physicality and technical ability. He is a true leader on and off the field. I am extremely pleased to have his contract extended and believe that next season he will be even more effective for the Ambush.”

Ambush co-owner and General Manager Jeff Locker also expressed his pleasure at locking up an experienced player for another season. “Axel is an important piece to our team and defense. Extremely excited and pleased to have signed Axel to a contract extension. Keeping the core of the defense together while we add additional talent is key in what we are trying to build here in St.Louis,” Locker said.

Duarte said he is ready to go back to work for the Ambush. “I’m extremely excited and grateful to continue my journey with the Ambush family. Can’t wait for next season!

The Ambush will kick off their 2020-21 season this fall. Season tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling the Ambush office at 636-477-6363. For up-to-date information of Ambush news during the off-season, follow the team on their official website, stlambush.com and on social media.