The St. Louis Ambush have secured the return of veteran midfielder Lucas Almeida for the 2025-26 Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) season, marking his eleventh year with the team and twelfth in the league. As the longest-tenured player on the current Ambush roster, Almeida’s decade-long presence has cemented his status as a cornerstone of the franchise.
Last season, Almeida led the MASL with an impressive 24 assists, showcasing his playmaking prowess. Over his 196 career games, he has tallied 107 goals, 149 assists, and 132 blocked shots, proving his value as both an offensive and defensive force. His journey began with a standout rookie season in 2014-15 with the Tulsa Revolution before joining the Ambush for the 2015-16 season, where he has been a mainstay ever since.
Hailing from Sao Paulo, Brazil, Almeida honed his skills in youth soccer before moving to the United States in 2010. He excelled at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, where he was a four-year starter and team captain, earning a bachelor’s degree in Marketing in 2014. His contributions on and off the field recently earned him a well-deserved induction into the university’s Hall of Fame.
Almeida’s soccer career extends beyond the MASL. He has played semi-pro outdoor soccer with Mississippi Brilla FC and Vermont Voltage in the PDL and represented Brazil in the WMF Arena Soccer World Cup. His passion for the game also shines through in his extensive coaching roles, including his current position as Head Coach of men’s soccer at Hannibal-Lagrange University and Director of the Girls Prospect (U17-U19) program at Lou Fusz Athletics. Previously, he served as Assistant Coach for the Ambush, head coach for Maritsa FC, and held various coaching positions with Missouri Rush, the Fulton School at St. Albans, and Clinton High School.
“Lucas Almeida is one of the pillars of the Ambush organization,” said General Manager Donnie Alberty. “As both a player and a mentor to younger players, his contributions are immeasurable.” Almeida’s leadership extends beyond the field, as he continues to inspire and guide the next generation of soccer talent in the St. Louis community.
Reflecting on his re-signing, Almeida shared, “It’s always an honor to renew my contract with the club that has been my home for the past 10 seasons. We ended last season on a good note, and I can’t wait to come back for another one and see what we can achieve. As the end of my playing career approaches, I look forward to doing my best to help the team and give back to the supporters and community who have been with me every step of the way.”
